Water Protection Program

Impaired Waters and Total Maximum Daily Loads

Under the federal Clean
Water Act, the Total Maximum Daily Load, also known as TMDL, program provides a framework for identifying
and cleaning up impaired waters. Section 303(d) requires states to list impaired waters for which the necessary pollution controls have not yet been required and for which a TMDL study has not been written. The state is required to develop a Total Maximum
Daily Load for all waters on the 303(d) list. The TMDL is a mathematical
calculation of the amount of a specific pollutant a waterbody
can absorb and still meet water quality standards. Each TMDL document
will include allocations of the acceptable load for all sources
of the pollutant. It will also include an implementation plan
to identify how the load will be reduced to a level that will
protect water quality. TMDLs go through a 45-day Public Notice period for public review and comment.

Keeping Our Waters Clean - A Video about TMDLs

Keeping Our Waters Clean is an accurate, easy-to-understand
video designed to educate and inform the public about TMDL issues.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources was one of the sponsors
of the program that aired on MSNBC in 2002.

The video is available free of charge to Missouri residents.
If you would like a copy to share with others in your community,
please call 573-751-1300
or 800-361-4827.
Please specify your choice of either the full length version,
a condensed 45-minute version (emphasizing nonpoint sources),
or a condensed 25-minute version of the video.